I need a Kamera to my eye.

Here are some pictures for ya'll. I worked in that greenhouse. My family owns a farm in Chambo which is right outside of Ecuador in the mountains, so we occasionally have to work there. Aince my brother and I have no car, we have to take a bus into Chambo and walk through the moutains on gravel paths to get to the farm. Quite the enjoyable walk though. The photo with the volcano and the mountains are Riobamba, the city I live in. The church is a church in Banos. A touristy city 2 hours north of Riobamba. More pictures to come.

Now he's buried by the daisies, so I could stay the tallest man in your eyes, babe.

My brother, Paco, and I have done some nice traveling in an attempt to occupy our time before school starts. We just got back from Cuenca. Cuenca is located in the southern part of the country. We took a bus down there which was far from comfortable. It took about 6 hours to get there. The drive is beautiful though. You know those car commercials you see where a car is smoothly winding around a bend and when you look out there is nothing but mountains and the open road? That’s the ride to Cuenca. Except for the corners you turn aren’t done smoothly, but almost on two wheels and over a bunch of potholes. As you gander out into the valleys, you can see the two kinds of people. Indians or just really poor people. It really makes you appreciate all that you have and how easy life is elsewhere when you see a woman approaching 70 years and carrying satchels of plants or wood up a mountain side.
Cuenca is an interesting city. Being one of the three major cities in Ecuador, it is relatively big. Relative to what you ask? I‘m not sure. Cuenca is known for its architecture, its rivers and for the home of the Panama hat. I bought a Panama hat from a man who was one of the original maker. He is extremely old and cannot speak. From what I could understand, Panama hat makers make hats with a certain glaze or liquid. Over time the liquid or the fumes have gotten to his lungs and affected his speech. If anyone ever does go to Cuenca, you must get a Panama hat. Not only are they handcrafted and beautiful, but they are the city’s famous export and to get one from the birthplace means more…I think. They have a incredible Catholic church in Cuenca. Décor of gold, marble, and dimly lit candles makes it a jaw-dropper. There is a statue of Jesus in the front of the church that is probably 40 in length and made entirely of gold. I stole it and now I’m rich. Just kidding. There are four rivers that cross over the city of Cuenca. The main river, which the name escapes my memory, separates the new and old parts of the city. It is a very clean city compared to most cities I’ve been to in Ecuador. Reminds me much more of home than Riobamba.
Cuenca’s nightlife is pretty “happenin’” On Friday and Saturday nights, the town is littered with people drinking, dancing, and having a good ol’ time. I wanted to go to a discoteque, but I was with two guys and one girl and it was more of a couples thing that night. We decided to walk up a mountain where we could overlook the whole city. It was quite amazing. Naturally, I forgot my camera, so I didn’t get any pictures of Cuenca. I need to get better about taking photographs. We then went and got some food at about 2 am. All of the stands and outdoor restaurants(if you can call them that) are open very late. For a large plate of rice, papas fritas(French fries, but more potato-y) and some chicken is $1.50. The most a meal will be at a normal eatery will be about $3 or $4.

Cultural info #1-A lot, but not all, of Ecuadorians eat very fast. My brother was telling me about a good dish he really likes. I asked him “Have you ever tasted it?”. He didn’t really get it. I thought it was funny.

Cultural info #2- All of the stands and outdoor restaurants(if you can call them that) are open very late. For a large plate of rice, papas fritas(French fries, but more potato-y) and some chicken is $1.50. The most a meal will be at a normal eatery will be about $3 or $4.

Cultural info #3-Don’t plan on using your credit/debit card, or $20 bills. Most places don’t take credit/debit and not many places can make change for a 20. Always bring a card in case and to withdraw money, but never rely solely on it. You should have maybe 40 or 50 dollars ones, fives and tens when you get here and a good amount of coin. They have different coins in appearance, but they take all U.S. currency. The Sacajawea dollar is used frequently. They think that Sacajawea is an Ecuadorian Indian. I´m educating them on the truth though.

Personal Realization #1-If everyone listened to a little more Bob Seger, the world would be a better place.